Sociology Major/Minor

Sociology Major/Minor

Sociology is the analytical study of the development, structure, and function of human groups and societies. It is concerned with the scientific understanding of human behavior as it relates to and is a consequence of interaction within groups.

By studying behavior, sociologists are positioned to provide valuable insights on motivations as well as social factors that impact the way businesses, nonprofits, and governmental organizations operate.

Career Options

Community organizers and activists; human service assistants; probation officers and correctional treatment specialists; public interest advocates; and sociologists.

Enhance Your Experience

Sociology Minor

Sociology minors study people and the roles they play in society. Knowledge of sociology helps students better understand why people behave the way they do, making it a beneficial major to anyone who wishes to work with diverse populations.

This course examines the major sociological perspectives in conjunction with an instruction in the logic and procedures of gathering information about social phenomena. The course covers topics such as: the logic of the scientific method, research design, hypotheses formation, theory and methods of scaling, and research analysis.

This course examines the historical development of modern sociological theory from its roots in 18th century normative social philosophy to contemporary, empirically-based theory. In simple terms, social theory explains and guides the social observations sociologists make in their practice. In many cases, social theories attempt to predict future occurrences in society as well. Social theory attempts to answer those "big" questions human beings have perennially asked like: What makes society possible? How do societies maintain order? Are humans free and to what degree? Why is there inequality? Why are societies different? Why and how do societies change?

This course offers a working experience in the purpose and tools of qualitative field methods. The course covers rapport, methods of observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography, focus groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation.

B. 6 additional credits

6 additional credits in sociology selected in consultation with the student's advisor from the following:

This course focuses on the concept of youth in contemporary society in terms of their behaviors, roles, experiences, and treatment. It does so within the context of the evolution and structural development of two major social institutions: the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The course uses a sociological framework to emphasize the social, economic, and political realities of childhood in American society.

The course is an attempt to provide an introduction to a field which is rapidly becoming one of the major areas of research in the social sciences and to bring about an awareness and knowledge about the process of aging. Old people and their needs, the impact of growing numbers of old people in our institutions, and the effect of these institutions on the aged is examined.

This seminar course examines the enduring conflict that exists between the biophysical realm and humanly produced environments. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the social construction of environmental problems, the treadmill of production and nature, rationalization and environmental problems, and environmental justice.

This course provides numerous theoretical perspectives on ethnicity, class and gender along with a variety of activities which ensure each student an opportunity for developing an experience base with members of various ethnic, social class and gender communities.

A comprehensive study of the family and associated institutions, theories and research in American family structure and function, cross-cultural comparisons, family interaction dynamics, disorganization, and change is included.

This course examines the major sociological perspectives in conjunction with an instruction in the logic and procedures of gathering information about social phenomena. The course covers topics such as: the logic of the scientific method, research design, hypotheses formation, theory and methods of scaling, and research analysis.

This course examines the historical development of modern sociological theory from its roots in 18th century normative social philosophy to contemporary, empirically-based theory. In simple terms, social theory explains and guides the social observations sociologists make in their practice. In many cases, social theories attempt to predict future occurrences in society as well. Social theory attempts to answer those "big" questions human beings have perennially asked like: What makes society possible? How do societies maintain order? Are humans free and to what degree? Why is there inequality? Why are societies different? Why and how do societies change?

This course offers a working experience in the purpose and tools of qualitative field methods. The course covers rapport, methods of observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography, focus groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation.

This course is designed to develop student facility in the use of statistical methods and the understanding of statistical concepts. The course takes a practical approach based on statistical examples taken from everyday life. Topics include: descriptive and inferential statistics, an intuitive introduction to probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, chi-square tests, regression and correlation. Appropriate technology is used to perform the calculations for many applications, and correspondingly an emphasis is placed on interpreting the results of statistical procedures. Credit is not granted for this course and any of the following: ST232.

This course is designed to provide the basic ideas and techniques of statistics. Topics include: descriptive and inferential statistics, an intuitive introduction to probability, estimation, hypothesis testing, chi-square tests, regression and correlation. This course makes significant use of appropriate technology. Topics in this course are treated at a higher mathematical level than they are treated in ST132.

C. 15 credits:

15 credits in sociology selected in consultation with a department advisor from the following:

This course focuses on the concept of youth in contemporary society in terms of their behaviors, roles, experiences, and treatment. It does so within the context of the evolution and structural development of two major social institutions: the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. The course uses a sociological framework to emphasize the social, economic, and political realities of childhood in American society.

The course is an attempt to provide an introduction to a field which is rapidly becoming one of the major areas of research in the social sciences and to bring about an awareness and knowledge about the process of aging. Old people and their needs, the impact of growing numbers of old people in our institutions, and the effect of these institutions on the aged is examined.

This seminar course examines the enduring conflict that exists between the biophysical realm and humanly produced environments. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the social construction of environmental problems, the treadmill of production and nature, rationalization and environmental problems, and environmental justice.

This course provides numerous theoretical perspectives on ethnicity, class and gender along with a variety of activities which ensure each student an opportunity for developing an experience base with members of various ethnic, social class and gender communities.

A comprehensive study of the family and associated institutions, theories and research in American family structure and function, cross-cultural comparisons, family interaction dynamics, disorganization, and change is included.

In this course the student starts on the thesis requirement for the social science and sociology majors. The student is expected to select a topic and design the research project. The course is conducted primarily on an independent basis in consultation with an advisor.